Axiomites, Axies

OVERVIEW: The Graelguard believe in the Axioms, a code of conduct and a philosophy that guides their actions and their purpose. Unlike most other faiths, it is without god, deity, or even spirit. Instead, they pray and they meditate on virtue, valor, and sacrifice with a fervor that matches the zealots of the Templar and the Chanters.

SYMBOLS Five horizontal lines of increasing length, similar to a stairway leading upwards.

Alternatively, five lines intersecting upon a single axis. Sometimes, it is five swords, spears, or maces.

SHRINE TYPES: Hallowed Shrines built to the Axioms may be of the following: Ancestral, Primal, Pyre

TENETS: Below are the tenets of the Axioms, sometimes called the Axiomatic Virtues.

— Courage: Face obstacles and adversaries without fear. Tackle difficulties without surrendering

— Charity: Show mercy to those who deserve it. Grant compassion to those who need it.

— Clarity: Speak no lie. Know the truth of what is around you.

— Courtesy: Remember your place in the world. Grant those around you, below you and above you the respect they are due.

— Covenant: Remember the ties that bind you- Blood, Allegiance, and Faith. Keep oaths and vows that you have sworn.

SINS AND ATONEMENTS: It is often written within Axiomite meditations that these seven Axiomatic Failings are the common paths with which a righteous individual may fall into ignominy and dishonor. Redeeming one’s self from a failing is a constant struggle through which all Axiomites must persevere. Atonement for a Failing is done through the self, although the ramifications of their actions must go through the proper channels.

— Avarice: Described as immense attachment to and desire for wealth and possessions.

— Despair: Characterized not only as hopelessness, but also as apathy against improvement or labor.

— Envy: Hatred for one’s allies and disdain for their accomplishments.

— Gluttony: This is overconsumption and intemperance, not only of food, but also of one’s passions.

— Lust: This is a base, intense longing for flesh, for bloodshed, and for power.

— Pride: This is an attachment to one’s personal standing and self importance.

— Wrath: This is an imbalancing anger and hatred for others that affect one’s perspective.

WORSHIPERS: Followers of the Axioms generally do not announce themselves, since this is largely an internal struggle against one’s self as opposed to the commandments of a divinity. When they must self-identify, they call themselves Axiomites. They dislike the term, but they are colloquially called “Axies” by others.

CLERGY: Unlike most other faiths, the Axioms do not have clergy. Worshippers of this philosophy are both clergy and follower, guiding each other toward the impossible goal of perfection.

An Axiomite that has accrued a following because of their reputation, their wisdom, and their experience is often called an “Axiomatic Sage” or “Axomatic Dhruva”.

LEADERSHIP: This faith has no religious leaders per se, although a few gnostic individuals have achieved a reputation for being its paragons and are sought after for their counsel.

— Lord Valeria Arcturius the Solemn was one of the Praetor Generals of the Grailgard and an old hand even among their prestigious ranks. With her reputation as a warrior-scholar, Valeria Arcturius is often sought out for her wisdom and her perspective in Axiomite matters. As a “Dhruva”, she is often seen as the last word when it comes to Grailguard tradition.

— Ser Heimdellan the Hammer is a Metabionic Grailguard with a strange reputation of being both a renegade of order and a paragon of justice. He is one of the Knights Errant, touring the land and righting wrongs personally with his warband and their allies. Though his relationship with the Praetorian sect of the Grailgard is a strained one, even they acknowledge his words and his actions as being within the Axioms. His sermons and his deeds are studied by Axiomites of all dispositions.

— Magthani Rengala of the Azure Tome comes from the wizardly Tomekeepers of the Grailguard. He is a student of many different philosophies and worldviews. One of the foremost scholars of old world theology, he views and speaks of his faith in a pluralistic and open-minded sentiment. Most of this Psion’s sermons and lessons are said to be infuriating to the direct and forthright Grailguard.